FathersStory's Blog

            By the time Friday came in his first full week of chemo, Stephen was pretty much wiped out.  And his arm was starting to bother him.  Remember, he had the IV port in his arm the whole week.  So it meant covering it to take a shower, and it also made sleeping somewhat uncomfortable.  It was a relief to finally get the needle out.

 

            But he still had the anti-nausea medication to take over the weekend.  Again, chemo treatment is cumulative, so those drugs linger in the system even after treatment stops.  We made sure he stuck to the schedule the nurses made for him to take the medication, and it helped.  He didn’t get sick.  He may not have felt the best, but at least he wasn’t throwing up.

 

            After one week, he still has his hair. We were warned by the doctors that the chemo would make his hair fall out.  Nurse Joan told us during that first week that Day 17 of treatment seems to be the magic time for this to happen.  That would be around New Year’s.  Not sure why, but she says it occurs that day almost like clockwork.

 

            With Christmas just around the corner, Stephen wanted to do some shopping.  He did a little during his first week, and went out again this weekend.  We were a bit concerned, but we also saw the value in trying to keep his life as normal as possible during this difficult time.

 

            Monday was Christmas Eve, and Stephen spent part of it getting his one treatment this week.  This was for bleomycin.  It’s a shorter treatment, but it makes you drowsy.  Not so much from the chemo, but because Benadryl is given beforehand, and that can knock you out.

 

            So far, everything looks good, and Stephen’s keeping his weight up.

 

            For Christmas, we have a gathering for my wife’s family on Christmas Eve, and my family on Christmas Day.  On Christmas Eve, Santa comes to visit, and it’s usually accompanied by a talent show by some of the nieces and nephews.  In addition, Santa has a book in which he says something praiseworthy for each grandchild, and something they each need to work on.

 

            For the talent portion, Stephen brought his portable piano.  He played some Christmas carols and also performed the song he sang at the high school Variety Show about his sister.  I know he was tired, but he was a trooper.

 

            Christmas Day was spent with my family, and Stephen got to play Santa.  He didn’t dress up, but he read off the names of gift recipients.  Christmas had a new meaning for us this year.  I guess when you’re faced with situations like this you appreciate life and family and friends a little more, because you see how blessed you are.

 

            Stephen started to recover later in the week.  He felt good enough to go out to dinner with us, and saw his cousin play basketball in a tournament at Wheaton South.  So he’s maintaining somewhat of a normal schedule so far, for which we are happy.

 

            Next… an eventful New Year’s.

 

            (I know I’m behind on this blog, and I ask your patience.  But you’ll want to keep reading to see how it ends!)